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December 11, 2005
Southwest Airlines has first fatal plane crash in its history
Here's the ongoing discussion related to the crash of Southwest Flight 1248 at Chicago's Midway airport which resulted in the death of a small child. This site, www.airdisaster.com, has the most informed discussions on plane accidents you will find on the internet. These guys usually nail down the exact causes of plane crashes long before the experts at the NTSB.
http://www.airdisaster.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77390&goto=lastpost
The pilot apparently turned the autobrakes off, which will probably go down as a contributing factor. Pilot is now claiming the reverse thrusters wouldn't engage immediately. Apparently, he also tried to land with a tail-wind, when an alternate runway was available that would have allowed him to land into the wind.
Update: Southwest Airlines has indicated that he had the autobrakes on, and set to maximum, in violation of company policy. NTSB is trying to determine if he used the "heads up" display.
Posted by Peenie Wallie on December 11, 2005 at 8:23 AM
Comments
I think it is high time for the total accident record of SWA to be brought to light. For the public's safety. They have had a great deal more very, very serious accidents than have been brought before the press and public. Several quite simply involving very poor judgement on the part of the PIC. Just simple facts that the public should know.
Posted by: jd on February 3, 2006 at 7:51 PM